I let my shoulders slump and made my voice small and broken.
“I’m devastated. Those crystals meant everything to me.”
“Well,” Sandra stirred her coffee slowly, “maybe this is a sign. Time to let go of the past and focus on your new family.”
My fists clenched under the table. But I kept my face sad and defeated.
“You’re probably right.”
Sandra’s smile grew wider. She thought she’d won. She thought she’d broken my spirit along with those crystals.
Let her think that. Let her get comfortable in her victory.
The wedding was only three days away.
My wedding day dawned bright and clear. The venue in Scotsville looked like something from a fairy tale. White flowers adorned every corner. Soft music floated through the air. Everything was perfect.
Sandra strutted around in her designer dress like she owned the place. She positioned herself in the front row. She made sure everyone knew she was the stepmother… the new woman in Dad’s life.
During the reception, I stood up with the microphone.
“Thank you all for being here,” I began. “Michael and I are so grateful for your love and support.”
The crowd smiled back at me. Sandra beamed from her table.
“There’s someone very special I need to acknowledge today. Someone who taught me what real love looks like.” I paused. “My mother, Alice.”
The projector screen lit up behind me. The first photo showed me at eight years old. Mom and I sat at our kitchen table. She was teaching me to polish the crystal glasses. They sparkled like magic in the afternoon light.
People in the audience made soft sounds of appreciation. Dad wiped his eyes.
Then the second image appeared. The video began to play. Sandra’s voice filled the room, crystal clear through the speakers.
“If Jennifer wants to honor someone at that wedding, it should be me.”
The crowd went dead silent. On screen, Sandra walked into our dining room. She picked up one of the crystal glasses and examined it with cold calculation.
